This week’s study on Isa 9:7 explores the government that the Child of v. 6 will establish. Each of the four names that the child carries corresponds to a different aspect of this platform, illustrating the Bible study principle, “Pay attention to repetition.”
Continue reading The Lord’s Everlasting Zeal…
The study for Feb 15 expounds the three reasons that Isaiah gives for the joy described in 9:3. Each is introduced by the conjunction “for,” at the start of verses 4, 5, and 6. The repetition of logical connectives like this is a key indicator of how the author is developing his argument, and merits careful attention.
This week’s study on Isa 7:1-9 introduces the war between Judah and its northern enemies Israel and Syria. King Ahaz, fearful of losing his throne, seeks help from Assyria, but the Lord sends Isaiah to command him not to fear, and instead to believe in the Lord. Isaiah’s command reminds us that worry is a sin. Our Lord would have us to be without care (1 Cor 7:32a).
The study highlights evidence, both in the text and in the historical context from 2 Kings 15-16 and 2 Chr 28, that Ahaz’s great concern at this time is losing his place in the dynastic succession. Recognizing his fear is crucial for understanding the Immanuel prophecy, which we will study next week.
